ESR:
ESR(erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. It is not specific to cancer patients and can be elevated in a variety of conditions such as inflammation, infection, and cancer. In cancer patients, an elevated ESR can be indicative of the presence of cancer, but it is not specific to any particular type of cancer and other conditions such as infection, inflammation and other diseases also can cause elevated ESR. It is important to note that ESR is not a diagnostic test for cancer and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests such as imaging and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Cancer:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are many types of cancer, and they can occur in almost any part of the body. Some common types of cancer include lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanisms stop working. Old cells do not die and form a mass of tissue called a tumour. Not all tumours are cancerous; benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body and are not life-threatening. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymph system.
The causes of cancer are complex and not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment can play a role. Some lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of cancer include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and exposure to certain chemicals and substances.
